Monel Price Trend and Forecast
North America
Towards the closure of the final
quarter of 2022, the Monel prices
edged in the downward direction in the US market owing to the stable
supply-demand outlook. Following the March short squeeze and temporary
suspension of the LME nickel trade, many market participants exited or reduced
their exposure, resulting in a liquidity crisis and price swings in the
three-month contract that were frequently unrelated to fundamentals. Market
participants claim that there was inflation and that a recession was possible.
As a result, the US Federal Reserve increased borrowing costs to cool the
economy and relieve price pressures. The consumer prepares for annual
contracting and prefers not to accept excessively inflated raw material prices
in mid-Q4. In the alloy segment's weak position, alloy prices fell from their
previous indicative levels in early December to current market levels. Alloy
prices were reported to be stable by the end of December. Alloy buyers reported
staying on the sidelines in response to softer market conditions and were
encouraged by shorter steel mill lead times as they worked down well-stocked
inventories and controlled costs. As a result, alloy 400 sheet prices for Ex
Florida (USA) settled in December at USD 72450/MT.
Asia Pacific
In the final quarter of 2022, the
Monel prices in the Chinese market showed stagnancy because of the limited
downstream demand. The demand for Monel increased in mid-Q4 as a result of
frequent positive developments in the new energy industry chain. The profit
margin on stainless steel increased, causing the steel plant to maintain a high
production schedule. Furthermore, the number of infections reached an all-time
high. Lockdowns in the major cities choked domestic consumption, disrupted
supply chains, and even ignited street protests in many cities. Furthermore,
supply and demand for nickel ore remained low, but there was a strong
willingness to support the mine's price, which was expected to be unsustainable
due to weak fundamentals. The volatile molybdenum prices in the international
market had influenced the sentiment of the domestic Monel market. Some mining
companies and traders actively sold, easing the supply of raw materials.
Despite this, most mining companies were holding back cargo in preparation for
price increases. As a result, Ex Shanghai Alloy 400 sheet prices settled at USD
33040/MT.
Europe
In the European market, the Monel
prices edged in the upward direction owing to the fluctuating raw material Nickel
costs and limited inventory availability. According to market participants, Nickel
Powder prices were trading sideways as volumes fell to record
lows in October. Inventory at service centers, brokers, and master distributors
remained plentiful. According to the LME, no Russian producers would be
penalized. The London Metal Exchange's low liquidity had increased volatility
since the last nickel short squeeze. According to manufacturers of manganese
and silicon alloys, ferrochrome prices in the European market were mostly down
in December due to seasonal decreases in business activity. In contrast, the
ferroalloys segment saw a price increase due to speculative trading company
actions and a similar trend in China. The supply of raw materials for
molybdenum ingots was insufficient, and demand in China was extremely high,
especially in December. Consumers in Europe required materials, and it was
difficult for them to find these prices after the Christmas holiday. Thus, the
price of Alloy 400 for Ex Werdohl was settled at USD 42825/MT.
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